The Teacher's Corner
Daily Writing Prompts - October
October Writing Prompts
Below are daily writing prompts for the month of October. The majority of the prompts are related to the various events on our October Events Calendar. These events include birthdays, holidays, monthly celebrations, and important dates in history. Some of the dates include two different writing prompts to choose from. You can download a PDF form of the writing prompt.
Don't forget to also print a copy of our October Events Calendar. This will help you utilize the daily writing prompts.
We also have a bunch of other October Activities, Lesson Plans and Resources.
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All content and materials on The Teacher's Corner are protected by copyright. Please see our 'Terms of Use' for acceptable uses.October 1
On this day in 1908, Henry Ford introduced the Model T. Explain what you think a car of the future may look like. Free PDF
Today is “National Homemade Cookies Day.” Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Snickerdoodles, are some ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
The first Walt Disney World park opened its gates in Florida on this day in 1971, and guests walked down Main Street, U.S.A. for the very first time. 
On this day in 1890, Yosemite National Park was created to protect its giant waterfalls, ancient sequoia trees, and towering granite cliffs forever. October 2
October 2, 1950, the Peanuts comic was introduced to the world. Develop a comic strip of your own. Focusing on 2-3 characters, create your first strip. Free PDF
Today is “National Custodial Workers Recognition Day.” Take the time to ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
Mahatma Gandhi, who led India to freedom using peaceful marches and quiet courage instead of fighting, was born on this day in 1869. 
On this day in 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first African American justice on the United States Supreme Court. October 3
SOS was designated as the international distress code in 1906. This distress code is made using Morse code. Create your own type of code system that would allow you to share secret messages. Free PDF
Today is “National Techies Day.” What is ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1990, East Germany and West Germany became one country again after being divided for more than 40 years. 
On this day in 1949, a radio station in Atlanta called WERD went on the air as the first radio station in the United States owned by a Black American. October 4
On this day in 1957, Sputnik I, the first space vehicle was launched. Would you like to travel into space? If yes, explain what you would like to explore. If no, explain why you would want to keep yourself on earth. Free PDF
Today is “National Taco Day.” Tacos come in a variety of flavors. Think about your favorite type of taco. ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1883, the famous Orient Express train began running beyond Vienna for the first time, on its way toward Romania. 
On this day in 2004, a rocket plane called SpaceShipOne flew to the edge of space and won a $10 million prize. October 5
The founder of McDonald's was born on this day in 1902. There is always a lot of discussion surrounding the unhealthy aspects of fast food restaurants. Write a paragraph persuading someone not to eat fast food. Free PDF
Today is “National Do Something Nice Day.” It’s that simple. Think of something ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple who helped create the Mac, the iPod, and the iPhone, died on this day in 2011. 
On this day in 1905, Wilbur Wright flew 24 miles in 39 minutes, farther and longer than anyone had ever flown before. October 6
On this day in 1889, Thomas Edison showed the 1st motion picture using a Kinetoscope he had invented. Some people may argue that this was one of the most important inventions in history. What do you think was the most important invention ever and why? Free PDF
Today is “National Mad Hatter Day.” This is a fun, silly day based on the Mad Hatter who is a fictional character from Alice in Wonderland story. Create ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1927, the movie “The Jazz Singer” opened in theaters, and audiences heard an actor’s voice coming from the screen at last. 
On this day in 1995, scientists announced they had found a planet circling a distant star much like our own Sun. October 7
In 1986, the rose became the U.S. National Flower. Do you think this was a good choice for our country? Would you have picked a different flower? Why? Free PDF
October is “National Bat Appreciation Month.” Bats are often associated with Halloween. Explain ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
Niels Bohr, the scientist whose ideas helped explain how atoms are built, was born on this day in 1885. 
On this day in 1959, a spacecraft named Luna 3 took the first photographs of the far side of the Moon, the half we can never see from Earth. October 8
The second Monday of October is "Columbus Day" in honor of explorer Christopher Columbus. Describe an area of Earth that you would like to explore and explain your reasons for wanting to explore that specific area. Free PDF
J. Frank Duryea, who was born on this day in 1869, with his brother Charles, built and operated the first automobile in the US. He also won America's first automobile race. If you could participate in any type of race what would it be and why? Would it be on land, in the water, in the air? Free PDF
Today is “National Fluffernutter Day.” This is a day when you are encouraged to eat a sandwich made from peanut butter and marshmallow fluff! How do ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire started — and by the time the flames were finally out, thousands of buildings in the city had been destroyed. 
On this day in 1956, pitcher Don Larsen threw a perfect game in the World Series: 27 batters, 27 outs, and no one reached base. October 9
On this day in 1876, the first two-way telephone conversation took place. If you could call anyone, who would it be and why? Free PDF
Today is “National Chess Day.” Chess is a game that takes a great deal of skill and strategy. Thinking about the games you like ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
John Lennon, one of the four Beatles and later a famous solo singer, was born on this day in 1940. 
On this day in 2012, a brave student named Malala Yousafzai was attacked because she spoke up for girls going to school. October 10
English chemist and physicist Henry Cavendish was born in England on this day in 1731. If you were a scientist today, what would you hope to discover? Free PDF
October is “National Eat Better, Eat Together Month.” Does your family consistently ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1964, the Summer Olympics opened in Tokyo, Japan, the first Olympic Games ever held in Asia. 
On this day in 1913, workers blasted away the last barrier of the Panama Canal, joining the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. October 11
First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt was born on this day in 1884. She was quoted as saying: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” What do you think she meant by that? Free PDF
October is “National Pizza Month.” Pizza...a favorite of both young and old. So what ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1968, Apollo 7 launched, carrying the first astronauts of the Apollo program into orbit around Earth. 
On this day in 1984, Kathryn Sullivan became the first American woman to walk in space. October 12
Today is National Farmer’s Day. What do you think is the most important crop grown by farmers? Free PDF
Today is “National Farmer’s Day.” Farmers provide us with so much of our daily food. Do you think you would be able to ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
The very first Oktoberfest began on this day in 1810 as a giant celebration of a royal wedding in Bavaria, Germany. 
Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most famous opera singers in history, was born on this day in 1935. October 13
On this day in 1860, the first aerial photo in the US was taken from a balloon in Boston. What are the advantages or disadvantages to aerial photography? Free PDF
Today is “National Train Your Brain Day.” Keeping your brain active is important. Make a list ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 2010, all 33 miners who had been trapped deep underground in Chile were pulled safely to the surface. 
On this day in 1792, the first cornerstone of the White House was laid in Washington, D.C. October 14
Dwight David Eisenhower, the 34th President, was born on this day in 1890. If you were asked to redesign the one dollar coin, who would you put on the coin and why? Free PDF
Today is “National Dessert Day.” So many of us have a sweet tooth. ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
Winnie-the-Pooh, the story of a bear who loves honey and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, was first published on this day in 1926. 
On this day in 2012, Felix Baumgartner jumped from a balloon more than 24 miles above Earth, the highest jump ever made. October 15
Today is "National Grouch Day." If someone around you is being a grouch, what are some ways that you could cheer them up and help them be in a better mood? Free PDF
Today is “National Grouch Day.” Scientist say that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. Think about something ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1951, the television show “I Love Lucy” premiered and soon became one of the most popular shows in history. 
On this day in 1582, the brand-new Gregorian calendar began — and ten whole days disappeared. The day after October 4 was suddenly October 15! October 16
Today is National Dictionary Day. Explain to a classmate, in writing, how to look up the word “dictionary” in the dictionary. Free PDF
October is “National Positive Thought Month.” Planting seeds of positive thoughts can grow even more positive thoughts. There are ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1923, Walt and his brother Roy started a tiny cartoon studio that grew into the Walt Disney Company. 
On this day in 1846, a Boston dentist showed the world that a special gas could let doctors do surgery while patients felt no pain. October 17
Many baseball fans were surprised when the World Series game they were watching was interrupted by the 1989 San Francisco Earthquake. Summarize what you know about the cause of earthquakes using either drawings or your own words. Free PDF
October 17th is “National Mulligan Day.” The expression of a mulligan comes from the game of golf. It means ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1933, Albert Einstein arrived in the United States, where he would live and work for the rest of his life. 
On this day in 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work caring for the poor and sick in India. October 18
On this day in 1767, the Mason-Dixon Line was established. This line was very symbolic in the minds of the people of a young nation struggling over slavery. List everything you know about slavery and this time period. Free PDF
Today is “National Chocolate Cupcake Day.” Cupcakes have taken on a whole new look in the last several years. Some have candy bars on top, while others have bacon. Which ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1867, the United States officially took over Alaska from Russia, paying about two cents an acre. 
On this day in 1922, the British Broadcasting Company — which we now know as the BBC — was founded in London. October 19
The Star Spangled Banner was first sung on this day in 1814. This song, which is our National Anthem, is sung at a number of different events. Explain why it’s important to carry on the tradition of singing this song. Free PDF
On this day in 1781, the final battle of the Revolutionary War was fought. Imagine you were there during the final battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781. What do you think it was like? Write a story about what you might have seen or heard during this important moment in history. Free PDF
October is “International Walk to School Month.” With only a couple of weeks left in the month, try to encourage your ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1812, Napoleon’s enormous army began its long, freezing retreat from Moscow through the snow. 
On this day in 1789, John Jay took his oath as the first Chief Justice of the United States. October 20
Sir James Chadwick discovered the neutron on this day in 1891. What is your favorite subject to study in science? Do you like to learn about things dealing with the human body, the environment, different types of animals? Free PDF
October is “Children’s Magazine Month.” You’ve just been asked to create the next great magazine ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1973, the Sydney Opera House opened in Australia, its white sail-shaped roofs rising above the harbor. 
On this day in 1803, the Senate approved the purchase of a giant piece of land from France that doubled the size of the United States. October 21
On this day in 1959, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art opened in New York City. Describe a time that you have been to a museum. If you haven’t been to a museum, explain why you would like to visit one. Free PDF
Today is “National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day.” During the fall you can find pumpkin in almost ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1879, Thomas Edison created the first practical electric light bulb — one that could be used in homes and offices. 
On this day in 1797, the warship USS Constitution was launched in Boston Harbor. October 22
Today is "National Nut Day." Describe what type of nuts you like to eat. Don’t forget…your favorite type may come in “creamy” or “chunky.” Free PDF
Today is “National Color Day.” Colors are all around us and can make us feel ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-2)
Today is “National Color Day.” For years, scientists have known that colors affect our moods and behaviors. Think about ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: 3-12)
On this day in 1797, André-Jacques Garnerin made the first successful parachute jump, floating down over Paris from a balloon. 
On this day in 1938, Chester Carlson made the world’s first photocopy by using static electricity to copy words onto paper. October 23
Brazilian soccer player, Edison Pele, was born on this day in 1940. In order to become such an incredible soccer player, Pele had to practice. What is something that you would like to become better at? Explain what you will need to do in order to improve your skills. (This doesn’t have to be a sport.) Free PDF
October 23rd is “iPod Day.” The Apple iPod changed the way we listen to music. What do you ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1850, the first National Women’s Rights Convention opened in Worcester, Massachusetts, where speakers asked for women to have the right to vote. 
On this day in 1956, thousands of students marched through Budapest, Hungary, sharing a list of changes they wanted for their country. October 24
Today is National Bologna Day. Explain to someone how to make your favorite type of sandwich. Free PDF
Today is “National Food Day.” Food. We couldn’t live without it. What is ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1945, the United Nations came into being when its charter officially took effect. 
On this day in 1901, a schoolteacher named Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. 
On this day in 1861, the first telegraph line across the United States was finished, linking the East Coast and the West Coast. October 25
Pablo Picasso, the famous artist, was born in Spain on this day in 1881. On a clean, white sheet of paper, draw a picture of your favorite place. This may be a place that you have visited, or just a place you visit in your mind. After you have drawn your place, write a paragraph describing this location and why it is special to you. Free PDF
October is “National Book Month.” When you find a good book, you just can’t ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1854, during the Crimean War, soldiers made a brave and tragic horseback charge that became famous as the “Charge of the Light Brigade.” 
Johann Strauss II, the composer of the famous “Blue Danube” waltz, was born on this day in 1825. October 26
The International Red Cross was organized in Geneva, Switzerland on this day in 1863 to help people in need. Think about ways you can help people around you and make a list of at least five (5) ideas. Free PDF
Today is “National Pumpkin Day.” Pumpkins are everywhere this time of year. You might even be getting ready to carve one yourself. Draw ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1881, the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place in Tombstone, Arizona. 
On this day in 1994, the leaders of Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty, ending almost 50 years of fighting between the neighboring countries. October 27
Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States and loved the outdoors, including going on big adventures in nature. Imagine you are spending a day with him. Write a story about what fun things you would do together and what you might learn from him! Free PDF
October is “National Apple Month.” With all the different varieties and ways ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1904, the very first New York City subway line opened, and more than 100,000 riders paid a nickel to try it. 
Captain James Cook, the explorer who charted coastlines across the Pacific Ocean, was born on this day in 1728, according to the calendar England used back then. October 28
On this day the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886. Explain what you know about the Statue of Liberty. Why is it such a great American symbol? Free PDF
Today is “National Chocolate Day.” You have white, milk, dark. Which ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1965, the last piece of the Gateway Arch was set in place in St. Louis, Missouri. 
On this day in 1726, the book “Gulliver’s Travels” was published, telling the story of a sailor who visits lands of tiny people and giants. October 29
On this day in 1929, the Stock Market crashed. A lot of people lost money and lives were changed forever. Explain what you would do with $1,000. Free PDF
Today is “National Cat Day.” Cats or dogs? It’s a decade old debate. Which ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1969, the very first message traveled over the network that grew into the internet — and the whole message was just two letters: LO. 
On this day in 2012, Hurricane Sandy came ashore in New Jersey, and communities along the East Coast worked together to recover. October 30
John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States, was born on this day in 1735. What do you think it would have been like to be just the second President of the United States? How would it have been different from today? Free PDF
Today is “National Candy Corn Day.” A common candy during this time of year, candy corn is a ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1938, a radio play called “The War of the Worlds” told the story of a pretend alien invasion. 
On this day in 1974, Muhammad Ali fought George Foreman in a famous boxing match in Africa called the “Rumble in the Jungle.” October 31
Juliette Gordon Low, the woman who started Girl Scouting in the United States, was born on this day in 1860. The Girl Scouts are an organization that helps others. Explain why it’s important that kids get involved with helping others. Free PDF
Today is Halloween and October is “National Halloween Safety Month.” Make a ... - Premium Prompt (Grades: K-12)
On this day in 1941, workers finished carving the faces of four presidents into Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. 
On this day in 2011, the world’s population reached 7 billion people — and it keeps growing every year. 
On this day in 2000, the first crew blasted off to live aboard the International Space Station. DISCLAIMER: We have provided “suggested” grade levels for some of our writing daily prompts. These suggestions are made based on the content of the prompt, the interest level of the topic, or the level of background knowledge needed to have the most success possible with the prompt. Please remember that these are suggestions only and each prompt can be modified as needed by you, the teacher. Don’t hesitate to get creative and rework the prompt to best fit the age/needs of your students!
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